This certificate is issued by the cathedral in Santiago to verify point of origin and the distance traveled on the Camino. Some log the minimum required of 100 Km by starting in Sarria, Spain. Others we met log 1,500 Km or more by starting in places like Holland or Germany. I began from St.-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France with an official distance of 775 Km from there to the Cathedral of Santiago.

Here it is. The official “Compostella” given to peregrinos who travel at least 100 Kms on the Camino and present themselves at the cathedral. It is written Latin, as is a Latinized version of my first name. This is a lot like receiving the medallion at the end of a marathon. Everyone who finishes the distance receives one, and it’s nice to have as a commemoration. Still, it really is the experience and the relationships that have made this worthwhile, and what I will take forward.

This certificate, issued by the Franciscan convent in Santiago, commemorates the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi making his pilgrimage to Santiago. Honestly, this may be my favorite of the lot.